Oregon knife laws 2025: What you need to know about carrying of concealed weapon ?

Is it really okay to carry a knife in Oregon? It’s a question worth pondering. There’s no shortage of preconceived ideas, but taking a knife out of your pocket to check its legality isn’t enough to settle the debate. In Oregon, it’s legal to own and use many types of knife, but beware: it all depends on how they’re carried. For example, certain models such as butterfly knives, or those equipped with spring or centrifugal mechanisms, must not be carried concealed. Failure to do so could result in penalties such as a Class B misdemeanor. In this article, we dive into the intricacies of Oregon’s knife laws to help you understand how to carry your blade legally and avoid trouble.

What are the legal facts about knife laws in oregon?

First, it is legal to own and carry most knives openly in the state. This includes popular options like : 

• folding knives, 
• ordinary pocket knives, 
• fixed blades. 

However, the law becomes more complex when knives are carried in a concealed manner.

For example, carrying a concealed weapon like a switchblade knife or a knife that operates via spring or centrifugal force is prohibited. 

Oregon law explicitly states that a person who carries concealed upon their person any knife with a blade that projects or swings into position by force commits a violation. 

Additionally, carrying knives in sensitive areas such as public buildings or court facilities is forbidden. This applies to all knives, regardless of size or type.

These restrictions aim to maintain public safety and prevent the misuse of knives as dangerous weapons in locations where injury could be inflicted upon others.

To stay within the law, anyone carrying a knife should ensure it complies with Oregon’s regulations. Reviewing resources like Oregon Revised Statutes 166.240 can provide additional guidance and clarity.

What types of knives are regulated under Oregon law?

Oregon regulates certain types of knives, especially those with mechanisms or designs that make them potentially dangerous if misused. 

Automatic knives and butterfly knives, for instance, are subject to specific restrictions. These knives, which can project or swing into position by force of a spring or centrifugal motion, are prohibited from being carried in a concealed manner. While owning these knives is allowed, carrying them concealed could lead to serious legal consequences.

Another regulated category includes knives designed for ease of access, such as assisted opening knives. Though these are permitted for open carry, using them in restricted areas or carrying them concealed could still violate Oregon law. 

Similarly, knives with a blade length of over four inches are scrutinized more closely, particularly when carried concealed. A knife carried openly, on the other hand, is less likely to lead to legal issues.

Public safety is also a priority when it comes to carrying knives in specific locations. For example, bringing a knife into a public building or court facility is prohibited under Oregon Revised Statutes 166.370. This restriction applies even to ordinary pocket knives or folding knives, making it essential to be mindful of where you carry your knife.

What size is legal to carry in oregon?

Oregon law does not set a general blade-length limit for knives carried openly. However, the situation changes when it comes to carrying a concealed knife. According to ORS 166.240, carrying a concealed weapon, including a bladed knife, can lead to legal problems if the knife is considered dangerous. 

As we have seen, while folding knives or ordinary pocket knives with a blade measuring less than 15 cm are considered acceptable for carrying a concealed weapon, certain types of knife, such as switchblade knives, are subject to restrictions.

Here are some of our knives with blades measuring less than 15 cm :

The law also points out that knives that project or move into position by spring or centrifugal force, such as automatic knives and butterfly knives, may be subject to further restrictions depending on how they are carried. For those wondering about compliance, it’s worth exploring the concept of wearing a pocket clip, compliant with standard ORS 166.240, which can sometimes be a safer way to carry knives legally in Oregon.

Are knives with spring mechanisms legal in oregon?

Oregon law specifically addresses knives that project or swing into position by the force of a spring, centrifugal force, or similar mechanisms. These include automatic knives, switchblade knives, and butterfly knives, which are categorized as dangerous weapons under certain circumstances.

While Oregon law permits individuals to own and carry such knives openly, the concealed carry of these knives is restricted. Carrying a concealed knife with a mechanism that allows the blade to swing into position can lead to legal consequences, including a penalty of up to five years in prison for specific violations.

What safety concerns are addressed by oregon knife laws?

Oregon knife laws are clear about prioritizing public safety when it comes to carrying knives. The state prohibits carrying knives in certain public spaces, such as courthouses and schools, where injury could be inflicted upon a person or damage caused to the property of others. 

For example, carrying a dangerous weapon in a public building, such as a switchblade or automatic knife, can lead to legal consequences under Oregon law.

Carrying a concealed knife that falls under the definition of a dangerous weapon, such as a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring or centrifugal force, may lead to serious penalties.

Oregon states that a person carrying a concealed weapon commits a class b misdemeanor.

Violating knife laws in Oregon can lead to significant legal repercussions. Indeed, a person who carries concealed upon themselves any knife classified as a dangerous weapon, such as an assisted opening knife or a blade that projects or swings into position by a spring mechanism, risks being charged with a class b misdemeanor. 

This offense carries a penalty of up to six months in jail or a fine of up to five thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the violation.

Carrying a concealed knife that does not comply with the regulations, such as a knife with a blade longer than four inches in length, can also result in legal action. Oregon law prohibits the concealed carry of certain types of knives, even if they are legal to own and carry openly.

Conclusion

When it comes to knife ownership and carrying knives in Oregon, understanding the laws is key to avoiding legal trouble. The state permits individuals to own and carry a wide variety of knives, including ordinary pocket knives and folding knives, as long as they comply with restrictions on concealed carry and prohibited areas. However, carrying a knife with a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring or centrifugal force, particularly in a public building or court facility, can lead to serious consequences.If you’re unsure about whether the type of knife you carry complies with Oregon law, it’s wise to seek legal advice or review official resources, such as Oregon Public Law, for clarity.

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